In attendance: Chair Tina Hein, Vice Chair Ben Sparrell, Clerk Damon Dimmick, Town Administrator Travis Ahern
Chair Hein opened the meeting welcoming everyone and reminding those tuning in that we are now on an alternating week schedule. The next SB meeting will not take place until January 13. There is a lot on tonight’s agenda.
Sewer Commission Appointments
For those who are following along was approved by town meeting votes in October of this year, and we will be making 3 appointments this evening for 3 year, 2 year and one year staggered terms. We have 3 candidates, strong candidates who have submitted letters of interest to the Select Board. The Board has reviewed those letters of interest. There have been phone calls, contact with the individuals to bring them up to speed on the goals of the Sewer Commission and the purpose and intent of forming one today.
We’re going to give everyone an opportunity to 3 individuals to come on up to the table if they choose to introduce themselves. There may be a board question or 2, although really on our end and then look to make the appointment.
Kevin Cornwell joined the SB at the table. Mr. Cornwell indicated he had lived in Holliston since 2007, and he is hoping that the Sewer Commission will result in better opportunities to attract businesses to Downtown Holliston. His background is in engineering and specifically water and sewer though not for municipalities.
The SB extended their thanks to Mr. Cornwell for his interest and willingness.
John Cronin joined the SB at the table. Mr. Cronin indicated this is an exciting opportunity for him since he has been on the other side of the table numerous times over the years as sewer projects were being discussed. This project is small, and it’s scalable. Mr. Cronin went on to say, “In a larger sense this is a an excellent and impactful opportunity to help the town redefine the local core of our community in a good way, without really upsetting the apple cart”.
SB indicated Mr. Cronin’s background fits in with the MG Laws dictating the formation of the Sewer Commission.
Stacia Gelineau joined the SB at the table. Ms. Gelineau indicated her interest in this project was primarily to give young families a seat at the table. Her background is in project management and administration, and she feels this is a good opportunity to help make an impact in Holliston. Feels this project could potentially lead to more businesses coming to town, easing the tax burden on households.
Chair Hein reminded everyone that although the appointments are staggered, it simply indicates that the people who are on one- and two-year terms would simply come back before the SB to be reappointed.
Sewer Commission (Appointments for 3, 2 & 1 year staggered terms per MGL Ch. 40N):
Cornwell, Kevin (at large – engineering) – through 2025
Cronin, John (field of finance/accounting) – through 2027
Gelineau, Stacia (field of administration or business) – through 2026
Clerk Dimmick made a motion to accept the appointments as referenced, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
A five-minute break took place allowing the Town Clerk to swear in the new Commission.
Per TA Ahern the Sewer Commission will meet for the first time on January 9, 2025 at which time they will select their chairperson. Updates to their schedule and meetings will be found on the Sewer Commission landing page.
Notice of name change: The Center, formerly the Senior Center, located at 150 Goulding Street (approved by Council on Aging)
Yvette Cain joined the SB by Zoom. Mrs. Cain indicated this came about after working with several other towns and doing surveys. The older adult population in Holliston is currently about 25% and that is expected to grow to about 35% in 2030.
The hope is that by changing the name slightly, that the Center will be able to attract more 55+ people who are not taking advantage of the services offered. This name change will also be done in conjunction with new programing. There is also an understanding that some of the programs may not be accessible to those who are still working full time in that age group so some things will be rethought, perhaps by using alternate locations.
There is also a hope to improve the facilities, offer more dementia friendly programming, and possibly some intergenerational programs.
Questions by VC Sparrell: in the effort to attract the younger olders as you refer to. Are you planning to capture any data or see if there’s any numbers that you can look at to see if that effort is successful?
Mrs. Cain: Yes, we’re using a software program called my senior center, unfortunately, and it does track the number of people who are coming in, what they are attending and all that. When you register for my senior center. It is by age, so the age can track as well.
There was also an interest in inviting a younger member of the community to serve alongside the current COA board.
Woodland Street – “Factory Pond Dam Rehabilitation & Woodland Street Bridge Replacement” – Discussion of Contract Award:
TA Ahern indicated there was a lot of interest in this project, with 19 bids being submitted. Those bids can be seen here.
A brief discussion took place regarding the criteria for awarding the contract including time frames, delays, and funding. It was determined that the lowest two bidders would be followed up with — we have about 1.7 million dollars for the dam, and we have the remaining funds through the small bridge. Grant our chapter 90 funding and our fair share amendment ideally. We will look to get further state funding that will reduce our burden on Chapter 90, which will then free us up in the future to not overburden our commitment to Chapter 90 funding
Clerk Dimmick: I move to authorize the town administrator to work with power corporation Town Hall: to award the contract for the Factory Pond dam, rehabilitation and Woodland Street Bridge replacement project to the apparent low bidder. John Rocco Corporation for the amount of $3,535,300, and further, to authorize the town administrator and Power corporation to issue a notice to proceed, should all remaining due diligence be completed without issue. If any due diligence issue arises the matter will be brought back to the select Board at the January 13th 2025, regular meeting, if not before. Motion seconded by VC Sparrell, and passed.
Special Legislation Update – H.5119 – An Act creating select board-town manager form of government in the Town of Holliston
As it was passed at the Town Meeting, the Town of Holliston is waiting for the Governor to sign the bill authorizing Holliston to move to a Town Manager. The progress of the bill is that it is currently waiting for the Governor’s signature. TA Ahern provided the update 0f his communications with Rep James Arena-Derosa regarding this legislation.
It was during this discussion that Chair Hein informed those tuning in that TA Ahern will be leaving the Town of Holliston on March 1 to join the Cannabis Control Commission as chair. More information here.
An extended discussion occurred regarding transition and it was mentioned that Kathleen Buckley would serve as Assistant Town Administrator and work closely with TA Ahern on ensuring a smooth transition to what will hopefully be a Town Manager by March 1.
The SB congratulated TA Ahern on his new role and thanked him for his professionalism and dedication to the Town of Holliston.
A discussion then took place regarding finding a replacement for TA Ahern and it was agreed that a multi-pronged approach was best including recruitment agencies and an RFP.
Clerk Dimmick made a motion to accept the approach explained by the board, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
A second motion was made to issue an RFP for recruitment of members of a steering panel to assist in the review of candidates from January 2025 to April 2025. Motion 2nd by VC Sparrell, and passed.
Community Risk Reduction Champion Award (Corporate Vision)
Chief Cassidy joined the SB at the table and indicated Holliston has been presented with this recognition. Per Chief Cassidy: we received the corporate vision, health and safety award for 2024, and it says that we are the best community. Risk reduction Service 2024 East Coast, U.S.A. So just to give you a little bit of a definition for that term of community risk reduction, which isn’t something that is always in our parlance community risk reduction is a strategy that involves identifying, mitigating and recovering from local risks and hazards. It’s an evidence-based approach that emphasizes proactive measures, good partnerships between community services and the community
Update on School Start Time discussion (liaison Ben Sparrell)
VC Sparrell shared with the SB the currently proposed start times for all the schools – which was not quite finalized at the time of this meeting. This has since been released and details can be found here.
Norfolk Street (follow-up from Dec. 9, 2024 meeting)
When we met on December 9th, we had a preliminary brief discussion about the factors to be considered for moving ahead with the project not so much on the water main side, more so on the sidewalk roadway drainage side. No changes here in the timelines for both water, main water, main portion of the project, and then no change in the timeline for the proposed sidewalk roadway drainage. Tonight we are tasked with considering road, with dimensions, sidewalk dimensions, and curbing materials. We have feedback from DPW/Highway.
TA Ahern comments: it would be extremely costly if we wanted to do sidewalks on both sides. I think that’s out of the picture financially; ultimately what we’re doing here between a sidewalk extension project down to the parks and beyond.
The curbing materials you have feedback from the fire department that is always concerned about vertical granite, you know, for trying to go around hitting, hitting, curbing, and we discussed on the December 9th meeting that that vertical granite, especially if you were to reduce the width for traffic calming reasons, then becomes an issue. There’s also a safety concern for bicyclists attempting to get out of the way.
If we get general direction from the board, the engineer is going to get off and running on this, and then they’ll come back to you as they approach those various stages of completion.
Motion made by Clerk Dimmick “I move to recommend that the engineer on Norfolk Street project ap associates begin design assumptions for new sidewalks and roadway on the basis of 24 foot width on Norfolk Street, from Central Street to Arcadian Farm area, and 26 foot width on Norfolk Street, from Arcadian farm area to the Medway line, with sidewalks continuing on the left when southbound towards Medway.” 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Public Comment:
Dr. Liz Theiler – took an opportunity to thank TA Ahern for his preparedness, professionalism and transparency. Also for his willingness to always look at two sides of a question before making a decision.
Clerk Dimmick —I am really pleased to live in a town that gives the latitude and the freedom to be able to let everyone live the life to the fullest of their dreams. Not necessarily the dreams of others, and for what it’s worth. I am grateful for everyone who volunteers in this community because you are making everyone’s young possible. So thank you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
VC Sparrell – I’m just going to say happy holidays to everybody, and I hope everybody has a safe and happy holiday, whatever holiday they’re celebrating. I think we missed Festivus and Happy New Year, and we’ll see you next year.
Chair Hein – I would just say that I do strongly feel, as chair or in any role on this board, that one of the most important roles that I play is to demonstrate that the Board is a welcoming place. I think that’s so important in building public trust, and then also in allowing this board to serve those who elected us to be here. Part of being a welcoming board. This is a style approach, but it’s an important one for me is to allow room for emotions. I think it’s important that we recognize that we have emotions about things and that we’re comfortable sharing them again. I think that makes this board my role on it a more welcoming place for others. And so with that in mind, I just want to share with Travis that I’m very sad that you are leaving Holliston. You will be dearly missed.
When your letter came through. It was a pause at at home. My family asked me what was wrong. And I said, Well, I’m just going to take a moment. So they said, It’s okay, mommy, you can take a moment. So I’m going to take a moment now and say that I’m very sad that you’re you’re leaving us. I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done. I did not think I was going to cry. I thought I was just going to share emotion without showing an emotion. But here we go. I truly wish you the best of luck, and, most importantly, I wish the best for your family, because I feel that in your honesty with us, and how you’ve shared your process with us. I feel that your family is at your heart in making this decision, and so I’m very happy for them. So my sadness is far outweighed by my happiness for your family and to the community, I would say, Join me in sharing emotions. Please don’t let me be the only one out here expressing my emotions. Please send your messages of gratitude, of hope for Travis, please send them to Travis directly or through anyone in his office, or through anyone on this board. I think that in the town of Holliston we do a very good job, and it’s a very important job to respect and show value for the people who work so hard for this town. And here is a wonderful opportunity to send off one of our best employees who has done nothing but serve us tremendously. Send him off with some very genuine messages of gratitude and congratulations. So please join me in doing that and send some messages along to Travis.
Town Administrator Comments
TA Ahern mentioned that his children know nothing except him working at Town Hall and that they love Fiskes! TA Ahern then said “It is certainly bittersweet and mixed emotions that I have but obviously, as I as I mentioned, I put a lot of thought into it. And you know I do feel as of right now. My focus is to make sure that you know the next person who comes in is moving everything forward.”
TA Ahern then ran down a list of accomplishments which can be found here.
TA Ahern also informed the board that Holliston Housing Authority – Gubernatorial Appointee: Charles Jacobs, Jr. (Charlie) – the SB welcomed him aboard.
Weekly Warrants
Clerk Dimmick made a motion to pay the weekly warrant, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Board Business
Re-Appointment of Deputy Mark Dellicker, with successful completion of the stipulations of Chapter 67 of the Acts of 2024
Appointment to the COA: Stacey Raffi thru June 30, 2025
HCAT – Additional Broadcast Venue (Upper Town Hall)
Contract Amendment for Lombardo Associates for $128,792 (ARPA funds)
Donation the Center from Josephine and Stephen King $100
Donation the Center from Holliston Superette $400
Meeting Minutes October 15, and October 28, 2024; Executive Session Minutes (for approval but not immediate release): Nov. 4 and Nov. 18, 2024, Dec. 9, 2024
One Day all alcoholic beverage permit on January 4, 2025 from 5 to midnight in the Upper Town Hall. Bartending Service is Bon Fete.
Individual motions were made by Clerk Dimmick and 2nd by VC Sparrell, all motions passed.
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